Edward Onoja Speaks on Yahaya Bello’s Last-Minute Withdrawal of Support Ahead of Kogi APC Primaries
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja, has revealed details of how former Governor Yahaya Bello allegedly promised him the governorship ticket for four years but dramatically shifted support to another candidate on the eve of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries. Onoja made the disclosure during an interview on the MIC ON Podcast released on Saturday, stirring fresh conversations around political loyalty, succession planning, and internal party politics in Kogi State.
Four Years of Hope, One Day of Disappointment
Recounting his political experience, Onoja explained that Bello, who served as his principal first as Chief of Staff and later as Deputy Governor, had consistently assured him of his succession plan.
“For four years before 2023, he (Yahaya Bello) was the one who called me and said, ‘You will succeed me, get prepared.’ And of course, I planned, I worked, and when it was time, he gave all of us the opportunity to contest,” Onoja stated.
According to the former deputy governor, Bello had instructed about seven cabinet members, including himself, to purchase APC nomination forms ahead of the primaries. Many political observers in Kogi believed Onoja was Bello’s anointed successor, given their close relationship and years of political partnership.
Bello’s Surprise Choice: Ododo Over Onoja
However, Onoja revealed that things took a dramatic turn just before the primaries when Bello informed him that his preferred candidate was the current governor, Usman Ahmed Ododo.
“At the end of the day, his heart and his choice were with the current governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo,” Onoja disclosed.
The revelation came just a day before the primaries, catching Onoja off guard after years of assurances. “When he broke the news to me a day before the primaries, I told him, ‘You are the boss, you are over me, what you see is what I see, so let’s go get the job done, but I hope you are not making a mistake,’” Onoja recounted.
Choosing Party Loyalty Over Personal Ambition
Despite the disappointment, Onoja affirmed his commitment to the APC and insisted that he threw his full support behind Ododo’s candidacy. He stressed that party unity was more important than personal grievances, noting that his loyalty contributed to the APC’s victory in the November 2023 governorship election.
Onoja, who now serves as a board member of the South-East Development Commission, said the experience taught him lessons about political trust, leadership decisions, and the unpredictable nature of Nigerian politics.
Analysts React to Onoja’s Revelation
Political commentators in Kogi State have described Onoja’s disclosure as a “rare moment of honesty” in Nigerian politics, where behind-the-scenes dealings are often kept secret. Some analysts believe the last-minute change might have been influenced by political calculations, power dynamics, and Bello’s perceived desire to consolidate his influence beyond his tenure.
Others argue that the episode highlights the uncertainties faced by political allies in Nigeria, where loyalty does not always guarantee political succession.
What This Means for Kogi Politics
With Ododo now in office, political watchers are keen to see how Onoja’s relationship with the current administration unfolds and whether the former deputy governor will maintain his relevance in Kogi’s political landscape.
For now, Onoja maintains that his loyalty to the APC remains unshaken despite the personal setback, signalling that he has no intention of switching political camps.
🎓 Attend 2026 JAMB, Post-UTME, WAEC, and NECO GCE Tutorials
Get fully prepared with expert tutors, comprehensive study materials, and personalised academic guidance at Akahi Tutors.
📍 Located at 67, Oduduwa College Road, Off Sabo Junction, Ile-Ife.
📞 Call: 08038644328
for enrollment and accommodation reservation.
